Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has handed over major powers to Iran’s top military council—the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as conflict continues between Iran and Israel. The move comes during the sixth straight day of missile exchanges between the two countries.

Despite the heavy fighting, neither side has shown signs of stepping back. The conflict has also drawn in the United States, with President Donald Trump issuing stern warnings to Iran.

Trump declared that the US knows the hiding place of Iran’s Supreme Leader. While he said there is no plan to assassinate Khamenei “for now,” he warned that America’s patience is running out.

“We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding. We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now...Our patience is wearing thin,” Trump posted on Truth Social. He also demanded that Iran surrender without any conditions.

Khamenei has held power since 1989 and has long had control over Iran’s military and senior government positions. But the recent developments suggest a shift in his authority during this crisis.

Khamenei Now Increasingly Isolated

Khamenei once had the strong support of trusted military leaders and close aides. However, many of these key figures have recently been killed in Israeli airstrikes. Among them was Major General Ali Shadmani, a top commander in the IRGC.

According to Reuters, citing sources familiar with Iran’s leadership, these losses have left a serious gap in Iran’s military leadership. Khamenei is now reportedly more isolated than ever before.

The deaths have not only weakened Iran’s command structure but also affected Khamenei's influence within his own military circle.

Netanyahu Believes Targeting Khamenei Would End Conflict

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has openly discussed the possibility of targeting Iran’s top leader. In an interview with ABC News, he said that eliminating Khamenei would not make the war worse, but instead would stop it.

“It’s not going to escalate the conflict, it’s going to end the conflict,” Netanyahu said.

Israel launched this operation after striking Iran’s nuclear facilities and Tehran last Friday. Since then, the situation has turned deadly. Reports say at least 224 people have died in Iran, while 24 have been killed in Israel.